Malcolm tells us in his Autobiography that he felt and hoped that his “life’s account, read objectively. . .might prove to be a testimony of some social value.” And surely, it is a testimony of great social value. Indeed, it is both testimony and testament, righteous witness and a sacred will, awesome evidence and instruction on how we can live our lives, and if need be, give them up with the unwavering commitment and uncompromising courage Malcolm modelled and mirrored for us. Malcolm, honored teacher of the liberating truth, thus taught us how to live and die, and even before his death, he had already given his whole life to his people, his faith and the struggle. It was again one of his defining features which he described as “the one hundred percent dedication I have to whatever I believe in.” ... read more »

I was born of a White mother and a Black father in 1961 in Southern California during a time when America was experiencing segregation across the nation.  Although many of us in California did not feel the same effects as many of our relatives in the South, segregation was still alive and well throughout the country. The Civil Rights Movement was in its beginning stages and the 50’s and 60’s were pivotal in changing the face and climate of America. The Civil Rights Movement was organized by African Americans with the goal to help end racial discrimination and provide equal rights to all under the law. ... read more »

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has enjoyed a long history of supporting organized labor, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement when many unions and civil rights-focused organizations worked together to secure legislation that benefitted African Americans. ... read more »

Last month, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration breakfast, hosted by the California Legislative Black Caucus in Sacramento, Newsom mentioned visiting Monterey Park Tract located in the Central Valley a few days before the breakfast with members of his administration. ... read more »

Consider conscience? Killing the innocents--the great unborn, many greats murdered through abortion. ... read more »

In 1951, Langston Hughes laid bare the anxious aspirations of millions of Black people in America with his poem, “A Dream Deferred.” In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded America of the promissory note written to its citizens guaranteeing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, in his “I Have a Dream” speech. ... read more »

Talking about Black unity has fallen out of favor, but the need for unity is as great, if not greater, than ever. Black unity is a perquisite for sustainable change, but it has become a dust-covered relic.  Bastardized remnants remain, but are found mostly in venues that do not advance our collective interest.  Blacks continue to emulate Whites' individualistic and materialistic values without commensurate benefits.  Nonetheless, unity is essential for effectively working with each other and others. ... read more »

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Rev. Lawson served as the keynote speaker at Loyola Marymount University’s annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Interfaith Celebration & Prayer Breakfast ... read more »

Lauterbach’s book attempts a balanced and unbiased perspective on what Withers’ legacy will be: a traitorous informant who spied for the FBI or a blackmail victim forced to do as he was told. ... read more »

As we celebrate each year our strivings and struggles through history, the Black Freedom Movement is always a central focus. But we may not call it by its rightful name, because it has been renamed by the established order as the Civil Rights Movement and this has implications for us in terms of self-determination and how we define our goals, what we count as victory, and the lessons and spirit of life and struggle we learn and absorb from this world historical struggle. Our urgent and constant call was “Freedom Now!” and even now, it is no less necessary. ... read more »

There isn’t much that hasn’t already been said (and written) about civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr. The great orator could articulate his perspective on the plight of Black people with a style, grace and passion that inspired millions of people, Blacks as well as those of other races, to willfully follow him. In the presence of adversity, and often mistreatment of a physical fashion, he urged his supporters to not fight back. ... read more »

When I first started my event planning business over a quarter of a century ago, one of my favorite clients was working for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).  I was originally hired by Genethia Hudley Hayes who was the executive director at the time.  She wanted me to come in and help with what was known as “King Week.”  ... read more »

Long before he was the leading scorer of the NBA, Showtime Lakers phenom Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a teenager who was granted an opportunity to speak with Dr. Martin Luther King. ... read more »

For the sixth consecutive year, the South Coast Air Quality Management District will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with its MLK Day of Service Forum at the California African American Museum.  This luncheon will feature prominent guests and speakers on the environment and air quality.  Attendees will learn about the progress achieved and challenges ahead in cleaning the air throughout the South Coast Air Basin, especially in environmental justice communities.   ... read more / view event »